Finally caught up - comments on last week and my two serials for this. Thank you for your voting.
Words for next week: articulate
bud incident
Entries by midnight Thursday
6th October, new words posted on Friday 7th
Friday, 30 September 2016
Necessary words to fire the imagination
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Looking at the votes, I do believe its a well deserved win for Sandra. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAnd I second that emotion!
DeleteThank you! I haven't read the others, (just came to check everything worked as it ought) Today being our fiftieth wedding anniversary and spending it with family, I'm unlikely to get back for a bit but will catch up after the weekend.
DeleteCongratulations on the 50th Wedding Anniversary.
DeleteCongratulations!
DeleteMANY CONGRATULATIONS!!!
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [202]
ReplyDeleteJohn Pettinger’s sole reliable Khakbethian contact – as discreet as he was articulate – eventually returned his call: ‘Valdeta disappeared six months ago –‘
‘Rumour has it, Cherriman –‘
‘Yes. Cherriman tried to claim a budding romance, but when wooing failed, in a far too public incident; his humiliation witnessed – he dropped the gently, gently approach, took her by force and seized her son –‘
‘Our son. Cherriman sent him here, threatening she’ll die if I don’t return –‘
‘It’s a trick, Yanno!’
‘I know, but why?’
‘He’ll kill you both. She’s due to give birth to his son any day now.’
Pettinger is standing into danger here. I can't wait for next week!
DeletePettinger normally thrives on danger but this time... has he got in too deep?
DeleteA rather sinister turn to this installment. I'm with Antonia in wondering if Pettinger has perhaps bitten off a little more than he can chew this time around. Hope I find out while I still have some fingernails left.
DeleteA jarring of the nerves on this one. There's more than Pettinger's life at stake, Although all seems a challenge (lame word) I'm certain he has a plan.
DeleteThoughts while staring at his face [Threshold 134]
ReplyDeleteAnger rendered me inarticulate and slow. Slow to register he as annoyed with her as I. Unable to ask – to apologise, even – for my intemperate accusation, a mere bud on the larger stem of my frustration. So few had been incidents of apparent desire that they could be accounted for by mere lack; have no relevance to my personal desirability.
Or otherwise.
And now – was his anger irritation at a disobedient dog? Or at his so near succumbing to lust, however ignited?
Whichever. It passed.
Face distorted by moonlit leaf-shadows, hiding his eyes, ‘We lie here now. Move on tonight.’
I love the idea of "moonlit leaf-shadows," they sound really pretty!
Deletecalm, almost serene but the turmoil going on beneath these words...
DeleteSo very intriguing and mysterious this time around. I love the "mere bud on the larger stem of my frustration." Sounds like it could be something straight out of Shakespeare it is that poetic (not that I'm a fan of Shakespeare, but you know what I mean!)
DeleteThere's an under bubbling with the "mere bud on the larger stem" statement, a phrase that suggests frailty but is also unnerving that things are about to blow in unpredictable proportions.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 65-All Change
ReplyDeleteThe Station Master's inquiry was clearly articulated.
"Who would be sending communications to you here, old boy?"
Marmalade's equally questioning purr echoed the length of the dim passage.
Clive Bailey focused on the official-looking envelope and shook his head. The action intensified the pounding in his temples.
"Let's nip this pathetic evasion in the bud," said the Station Master. "I am aware of its contents."
Consulting a clipboard, he smiled indulgently at Marmalade encircling his legs.
"The Incident Report is complete. You will now be transported to the Sanitarium."
With a swish of his regal tail, Marmalade led the way.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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Superb!! I really loved this - especially the 'nip in the bud'- but also because there seemed a wealth of action in so few words. Nice to see Marmalade in action again.
DeleteOops! Commented to soon.
DeleteI loved this one, especially since to me it feels like Marmalade is the ringleader of everything.
if my cats are anything to go by, Marmalade is definitely the ringleader of everything and capable of running the world, it would seem! Nice instalment!
DeleteMy favourite episodes always involve Marmalade he is the boss and no doubt.
DeleteI have said it before, but I never considered myself a cat person. However now I am putting cat food in my shopping basket for a stray that wanders our street because she reminds me of how I envisage Marmalade (although a beige female version). She actually taps her paw against our front door to advise us it's time to be fed each night. Once she has had her fill she clears off. We call her Mrs mistoffelees in honour of T.S. Elliot
And for that act of kindness to a fellow feline, William, Marmalade will allow you to scratch behind his ears...but do not make a meal of it!
DeleteKursaal (Episode Forty) -- "Shemayne Olive"
ReplyDeleteShemayne Olive stocked claw machines, major attractions for toddlers who whined until parents manoeuvered articulated arms over coveted prizes, attempting to drop them into delivery tunnels. Such rarely happened.
Sometimes, incidents of budding explorers taking matters into their own little hands occurred. Scaling the chute, they disappeared, only to be immediately ejected from a companion mechanism in a different location, where Shemayne waited to transport them, desired treasure and all, back to hysterical mummies and daddies.
Not having mastered communication skills, the tots were unable to explain what happened, but never again clamoured for anything from the elusive claw.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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This leaves me with a nasty clenching feeling in my gut - something very definitely wicked this way comes, but you have very cleverly left the precise details for my mind to work out. Which means it weighs even heavier.
DeleteI'm also quite worried about those toddlers. What happened to them in those machines?
Deletegood reason not to keep trying to get those pesky claws to grab a decent prize...
DeleteA fine piece of writing right here! I Must admit those things are an obsession of mine. I have won several things over the years. A Little pig with a baseball cap with the words Chocoholic on it Won at an M4 service station being the greatest prize that my youngest still holds dear to this very day. I'm certain it lives a life when no one is near. ;)
DeleteFelo-De-Se
ReplyDeleteArticulated lorries trundle the motorway below this overpass. We all came here with the same bud of an idea that blossomed into full-blown commitment. No regrets. No reprehension.
Not every incident will make front page news, but we gather to witness each one and, with open arms, welcome the next who will take the leap of faith into our waiting fold.
You are really on a tremendous roll this week, aren't you? SUCH clever and multiple (to say nothing of multifarious!) uses of the prompt words. And this such a gem.
Delete"Reply" apparently working now! Thank you for that kind comment, Sandra, but to be honest I struggled mightily this week. Inspiration was being very elusive. Happy to say that when it finally struck, it found something of a target in all areas.
DeleteAn entire world in so few words! I had to reread it to get all the details, it's awesome.
Deletemagical, so much in so few words. Please explore this world further!
DeleteSuch a powerful piece. A Harrowing world is painted in so few words. In awe at your skill.
Deletestumble
ReplyDeleteIt could be no incident how I found you.
When I took you from the shadows of the darkest hue,
And restored you to sunlight.
I nurtured your frail embodiment of life,
And helped you grow to fill your hopes and dreams.
If I were articulate in your presence I could tell you of my greater intentions.
We could flourish together and explore other dimensions,
But my words falter in awe of the magnificence of what we could be.
I stumble and crush the bud of any hope before it blooms, then I am back to just me.
So many interpretations of this - tantalising indeed.
DeleteI agree, there are so many interpretations. Are you a plant? A human? Something else entirely?
Deletevery cleverly done, could lead us in any direction and it would be right.
DeleteI can only echo the immense variety and interpretation of this piece. With every read, it takes the imagination in a new direction. Like Rosie, I question the origin of of this subject. Regardless, the poetry of the sentiment is truly lovely.
DeleteWill return later and attempt to add comments to the entries but for now, the "Reply" button refuses to cooperate with me. If all else fails, I'll just have to compose a "blanket" commentary to encompass all. Toward THAT end, the "Add Comment" box is luckily working. Anyone else having this problem?
ReplyDeleteI did have a problem briefly last week, but fingers crossed all seems well now.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #45
ReplyDeleteSometimes Stuff Happens
They’re calling it “The Incident”? I expected “That time the fiery death creatures came out of the ocean” or “Dragons? Not dragons? Sea monsters? Maybe---OW! MY SKIN!” I guess “The Incident” sounds less terrifying. Can you imagine the stuffy old Council slowly articulating either of those? Ooh! Next time I send something in I’ll give it a good title and peek in the secret door to see what happens. The report on those trees with the carnivorous flower buds would have been perfect. I guess I’ll have to go back to the land of stuff that tries to kill you.
Ooh, Rosebud - please do be careful, this sounds braver beyond your years!
Deletethere's a lot brooding underneath the words here, waiting to see where it will go, waiting with great interest, actually.
DeleteThere is always a new aspect to explore and enjoy with every installment of Rosebud's adventures. This was no exception. I am delighted to see you comment on some of the other entries so we can get to know you better other than through your talented writings.
DeleteI always look forward to episodes of Rosebud, and often we them aloud to my daughters. CArnivorous flower buds sounds like a challenge but I'm sure Rosebud wil bravely sort things out.
DeleteInfinity 167
ReplyDeleteSometimes it be hard to articulate my feelings. I stood on deck clutching the bud of a new-to-me herb to be put in the hold somewhere, trying not to think about the incident with the tricksy-man when we left, near enough stopped us, just losing myself in the sight of the sails billowing above me, seas cleaving under our keel, rasp of the rigging as it pulls on the masts, shouts of the crew, pleased to be aboard even if they did moan at leaving. It came together in one rush of feeling a cap’n shouldn’t admit to, sheer joy.
Lovely to see the Captain admit to joy for once, in spite of the opening sentence, but I fear, under the influence of the tricksy man, it won't last.
DeleteAnd that "tricksy-man" surfaces yet again. I don't know I'd agree too much with the Captain's opening statement though. I think he articulates with an enviable ease. Love the idea of a "new-to-me herb." Who knows what properties it might possess?
DeleteA piece spilling with intrigue and excitement. Herbs an' all.
DeleteI wish I was aboard that ship, even with the ominous tricksy-man. I'm also glad the Captain has admitted his joy.
DeleteI would like to comment on the excellence of the serializations that are posted here week after week. It's far from easy to compose a cohesive tale from a set of three random prompts and still move the plot along, having it make sense of what went before. That Sandra and Antonia in particular have accomplished this for so long is an admirable feat. And I can't believe that Rosebud's adventures have already reached 45 installments!
ReplyDeleteI entirely agree with you about the quality and, of course, your own two keep us regularly fascinated. And 45 Rosebuds !! - have to confess I hadn't spotted that.
DeleteBut, speaking for myself, I do find serials easier than weekly one-offs; perhaps that's an indication of the differing qualities of novelists and short story writers.
Until I had a crack at the serial I had not appreciated how challenging it was to stay on point and include the prompts. Time is a challenge with work and home life at the moment so "Little Martyn" is in stasis at the moment but will return. Spare time is spent visiting colleges and scholarship offers for my Eldest going onto to As levels at the moment.
DeletePersonally I find serials easier. Maybe because I don't have to create a new world every week? I'm actually in college right now, so my spare time is mostly spent doing homework.
DeleteExactly, Rosie, about serials - the starting point is there already - wouldn't like you to neglect your homework, but am so glad you spend some time visiting here.
Delete